Latour named interim pastor

After four and a half years pastoring the Garberville Community (Presbyterian) Church -- and recently publishing "Good (enough) People" and "Radical Wholeness: A Pastor's Perspective" -- the Rev. Sharon Latour has been commissioned to serve as the interim pastor at Arcata Presbyterian Church, 11th and G streets, located just off the plaza in Arcata.

The interim pastor role is a 12- to 18-month temporary pastoral relationship focused on reimagining a particular church within its specific community. It's a chance to "look again" at the mission opportunities within and outside the church building walls.

"Tim Doty's recent retirement created a space for a very special opportunity for me to care for a talented and socially relevant congregation," said Latour. "There are several new initiatives taking place, like the church-sponsored HSU Bible study group and partnering with the Open Door Clinic to re-establish the community garden at 11th and F streets in the spring. It's an honor to be asked to serve with them."

Latour settled in Humboldt County after graduating from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2007 with a master's degree in theological studies, with a spirituality emphasis. In addition to conducting weekly services in Garberville, she served on several local boards and volunteered weekly at South Fork High School and Redway Elementary School. The Extreme Weather Shelter program and the church food pantry were also high priorities.

Before seminary, Latour had an eight-year college athletics administration, coaching and teaching career at Westmont College, University of Southern California and University of California Santa Barbara, followed by a leadership theory teaching career in the U.S. Air Force. She retired in 2005 as a Lieutenant Colonel. She is currently speaking with local veterans affairs officials about ways she might help veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

Everyone is invited to a "come-as-you-are" worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, and Latour invites those who do not have a "church family" for the upcoming holidays to join Arcata Presbyterian Church, where "you are most welcome!"